DALTON, Mass. -- Both Pittsfield teams used the long ball Sunday to advance to the winners bracket semi-final at the Don Gleason District 1 Little League Tournament for ages 10-12.
In a game that started Saturday with a solo blast by Tyler Gaudette, the Pittsfield National League Sunday completed a 5-2 win over Great Barrington.
Gaudette homered a second time in the continuation, as did teammate Nick Guacchione.
The Nationals scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie and advance to Tuesday’s semi-final.
There, they will face the Pittsfield American League, which defeated host Dalton-Hinsdale, 6-0.
Collin Merwin did it all for the Americans, belting two home runs and striking out seven in three innings of work on the hill.
The Americans opened a 5-0 lead with four in the bottom of the second inning.
After Charlie Heimann reached on an error, Merwin launched a shot over the fence in left-center to make it 3-0.
Will Kinne then walked and stole second ahead of an infield single by Nick Brindle. A passed ball got them both into scoring position for Brandon Mazzeo, who drove in two runs.
Merwin hit his second home runs in as many at-bats to lead off the fourth inning and provide the final margin.
He combined with Cam Sime and Mazzeo on the shutout. Mazzeo struck out the side in a perfect sixth inning.
Cole Pierce and Pat McLaughlin split time on the hill for Dalton-Hinsdale.
On Monday evening at Chamberlain Park, Great Barrington will face Adams in the losers bracket of the double-elimination tournament. The winner of that game will face Dalton-Hinsdale.
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